Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
WE HAVE NEW POGS OF WAR
Lloris says they will overcome the absence of their ’engines’ with new powerful stars in Qatar... but they won’t take Danes lightly
Chief Football Writer in Doha @johncrossmirror
HUGO LLORIS has described Denmark as one of the most under-rated sides in the world.
France are heavy odds-on favourites with bookies to win today’s Group D showdown yet Denmark have beaten them TWICE in the last five months.
And the French have been rocked by a series of injuries to key men, with Paul Pogba (right), Karim Benzema, N’golo Kante, and Lucas Hernandez all absent.
It’s hard to understand under those circumstances why Denmark are huge underdogs at around 5-1, but Lloris (top) reckons it further underlines just how under-rated they are.
“I’ve said on a number of occasions that they are underrated as a team,” Spurs star
Lloris said. “Between June and September they beat us twice.
“It is another tournament but Denmark are a very strong team who can compete with the best. We have a mountain to climb against them.”
France were victorious in Russia four years ago and are among the favourites again but they are without most of the heroes of their 2018 World Cup triumph. Yet Lloris says the likes of Adrien Rabiot, Antoine Griezmann and fitagain Raphael Varane have enough experience and quality to thrive.
“A lot of emphasis has been placed on the absence of Kante and Pogba, who are the engines of France,” said Lloris.
“But it is forgotten that there are footballers who can take on those responsibilities.
“Adrien Rabiot is such a player. When we were confused at the start of the game against Australia, he was there, and showed his impact. We know his talent, but also his ability to work hard. He can help us go far.
“Antoine Griezmann is happy. He makes an effort both in defence and in attack. In the game he is the connection between the two phases of the game. He is a team player, he makes his teammates shine.
“Raphael Varane brings us calmness, security, experience. He is a leader, he has a quiet strength and gives a lot to this team. It feels like he is fine, despite his injuries and his fears that he might miss the World Cup. He is ready to fight for the team.”
Lloris, who will be 36 on Boxing Day, refused to compare the France of Qatar 2022 with the France of Russia 2018. Four years ago France needed a late own goal to beat Australia 2-1 in the group stages. Earlier this week they overwhelmed the same opponents 4-1.
“It’s hard to compare two tournaments that are four years apart,” Lloris said.
“We have only 10 players left from our old team, but here we have to rely on that experience.
“Against Australia in 2018, we had a lot of trouble getting things going. This time we wanted to start with a bang.”